Title:  Principal Hardware Engineer

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future.

About the Team: The Battery Systems Development team builds and tests the systems powered by QS cells. We’re a diverse, hands-on group of engineers who value fast learning and resourcefulness. We work closely with our cell, electrical testing, and product teams to deliver high-impact prototypes and reference designs that showcase our technology's potential.

What We Need: QuantumScape is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to serve as the senior mechanical authority for our systems team. In this role, you will lead the design and execution of prototype battery packs, custom charging hardware, and specialized lab tooling and fixtures.

We are looking for a seasoned and versatile mechanical leader to lead efforts on prototype pack, charger, and tool design.   You’ll lead a small team (engineers and technicians), serve as the technical authority on pack design & validation, and drive cross-functional collaboration to meet schedule, performance, safety, and quality targets.

What You’ll Do:

• System Architecture & Lead Design: Own the mechanical architecture for next-generation prototype packs and custom charger solutions. You will translate electro-mechanical constraints into robust module layouts, interconnect schemes, and thermal management solutions.
• Design & Tooling Support: Act as the team’s senior mechanical expert, providing design reviews, mentorship, and developing custom jigs, fixtures, and lab equipment to accelerate our R&D cycles.
• Hands-on Prototyping: Lead the build of first-of-their-kind systems in our in-house lab. This includes tab/laser welding, bus-bar machining, harness fabrication, potting, and sealing.
• Hardware Integration: Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate BMS hardware, high-current connectors, and sensors. You will ensure the mechanical and electrical components play together safely in high-voltage environments.
• Testing & Validation: Oversee performance, safety, and environmental tests. You will analyze mechanical and thermal data to guide design iterations and improve system reliability.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate with Cell, Product, and Safety teams; author build documentation and BoMs; and mentor junior engineers and technicians to raise the team's overall mechanical standard.

Skills You’ll Need:

• Educational Background: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of industrial experience in hardware development, with a proven track record of taking complex electromechanical products from concept to functional prototype.
• Mechanical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC, injection molding, sheet metal, 3D printing).
• Power Systems: Experience working with high-power electronics, thermal management systems, or high-voltage hardware is highly preferred.
• Lab Fluency: Strong hands-on skills with standard shop tools, DMMs, and basic data acquisition hardware.
• Leadership: Experience leading small technical teams or acting as a lead on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Soft Skills: Superb interpersonal and organizational skills with a desire to work in a fast-paced, constantly evolving R&D environment.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with thermal simulation tools (ANSYS Icepak, COMSOL, or 6SigmaET).
• Familiarity with battery-specific challenges (thermal runaway, cell swelling, or BMS integration).
• Knowledge of environmental testing standards (IP ratings, HALT/HASS, vibration/shock).
• Experience with Altium/KiCad for basic PCB/layout collaboration.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in a lab environment, requiring the use of fine motor skills.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; perform reaching and twisting motions with hands.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed.

Onsite: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position.  As an on-site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration. 

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $136,700 to $208,500, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.